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The South African Government was deeply saddened to learn on 23 August 2016 of the passing of Singapore’s sixth President, Mr SR Nathan.

Mr Nathan was the President of Singapore from 1999 to 2011, having been elected in 1999 and 2005. This makes Mr Nathan Singapore’s longest serving President. He started his career in civil service in 1955 as a medical social worker and transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1966 as Assistant Secretary and rose to be Deputy Secretary. He also served in the Ministries of Home Affairs as well as Defence before his return in 1979 to the Foreign Ministry to become its First Permanent Secretary until 1992.

President Nathan is credited with launching Singapore’s "President’s Challenge" charity initiative in support of his vision of a compassionate Singapore.

The South African Government extends its most sincere condolences to the Government and People of Singapore in this moment of sadness and grief.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation